On International Women’s Day…

Definition of Feminism: the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.

Growing up in a conservative environment, the term “feminist” made me pause. It was a word that made many around me scoff or roll their eyes, and conjured up images of ultra diehard women screaming in the face of authority. (Humanity is far better for these women existing, by the way.)

But me? Was I a feminist? I liked making mixtapes and baking with my mom and spending my allowance on lipstick. Is that what feminists were supposed to do? I certainly didn’t see myself wielding a bullhorn on a street corner.

But you see, that’s just it. Feminism doesn’t “look” like any one thing. Feminism is about giving women choice. Opportunity. Equality. It’s the daily decision you make to empower, support and lift up other women. As Emma Watson recently said, “Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with. It’s about freedom.”

Am I a feminist? HELL YES. Will I make the daily choice to empower, support, and lift up other women? HELL YES. And will I use this platform as my “bullhorn?” You better believe it.

On International Women’s Day, I choose to wear red in solidarity with those who support the belief that women and men should have equal rights and opportunities. I wear red to honor the women who’ve blazed the trails that I’m now marching on. But mostly, I wear red to celebrate the beauty and strength that all women possess.

Jeanne

March 8, 2017 at 12:59 pm

Well said and I’m glad you clarified this definition. Growing up, I had this confusion as well. I wanted a husband and kids and the picket fence. Was that in conflict with feminism? Now I know it’s actually quite simple. Equal, Not better or special. Just equal.

Patti Diaz

March 9, 2017 at 9:01 pm

Meanwhile, your blog points to fancy shoes, clothing, make-up,etc. that I and others can’t begin to afford. And you consider yourself a feminist. How about being a humanitarian.

whoorl

March 10, 2017 at 6:48 am

I usually take the time to thoughtfully respond to comments like this, but in all honesty, this one is far too ridiculous to even attempt.

Patti

March 10, 2017 at 1:24 pm

You’re right. It is ridiculous and so am I.

I saw a particular picture earlier in the day – one of thousands. A sobbing man carrying his toddler through a street in the horrible war torn rubble of Syria. Just him, sobbing and his crying toddler. No mom, because probably, I thought, she was a sex slave for ISIS. And then I went to your site and everyone is celebrating feminism, which seems to be more dividing than uniting (to me at least). So I lashed out, at you – super ridiculous.

I apologize and I won’t do something like that to you or someone else in the future.

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